Must cross Yosemite NP to Convict Lake?

[joe_julie81]

We are going from Fresno to Convict Lake and the most common route seems to include CA 120 through Yosemite NP. My question is do you have to pay the park entrance fee for Yosemite to get through the park to the other side to access US 395 to go to Convict Lake, if Yosemite is not your destination? If so is there another option to circumvent the park and avoid the fee?

[profdant139]

Bitterbrush Campground is open year-round. No hookups, but well-located up Highway 168, not too far from the trailheads.

Bring extra blankets!

[dedmiston]

Call ahead if you're going to stay in Bishop. We just wrapped up an eight-week trip and Bishop was the only place where the parks were completely booked.

[profdant139]

If you are still in the Convict Lake area, try to spend as much time as possible in the Rock Creek and Bishop Creek areas -- the aspens are going nuts, and they are late this year (which works in your favor).

[joe_julie81]

This is the OP. We did have to pay the entrance fee, $35 now, although the ranger did everything he could to find us a discount. We had not driven the backcountry of Yosemite before and it was an awesome drive. It wasn't really a loss. Thanks for the input.

[Cider]

Used to be, years ago, that if you were transiting Yosemite via Tioga, you would not be charged. Times got hard, and the park started charging the $20 fee, regardless. If you qualify for the senior pass, that is the best bet. Also, you really have to watch your height of the RV as there are tunnels that may pose problem on the approach to Tioga pass.

[ppine]

Tioga usually closes around early November. This year might be different.

[Roy_Lynne]

It certainly looks like that is the best way to go. If the weather is bad, I'd just take Tehachapi pass. Long way out of the way, but 395 has some awesome places to visit.

[time2roll]

Just buy the annual pass already. National parks need the money.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Don’t have to pay for entry if you go through early or late. Usually before 6:00am and after 6:00pm nobody is working the booth... but you didn’t hear that from me! 🙂

[ReneeG]

To the OP - I don't know how old you are, but if you have a Senior National Park Pass - that would get you through the park at no extra fee.

[chuckbear]

We did not have to pay a fee to transit Yellowstone. Can't say about Yosemite. I would call directly and ask. Chuck

[_1Flyboy]

Good morning...I’d call YNP and ask if it is required to pay the fee if you are Only Transiting the park and Not Stopping! I know that in Death Valley you don’t have to pay if Only Transiting!!!!!

[BB_TX]

Yep, drive thru a NP and pay the fee. Got me as I was driving from I-15 to Page AZ thru Zion years ago. $20 please, he says (I think at the time). I am not stopping, just going to Page, I say. $20 please, or you can turn around and go another way. Shelled out $20.

[Lwiddis]

If you or your wife are old enough, Joe, get a federal senior pass. 62 and older. NO entry fees.